Bristol-based health tech start-up Siloton seeks a skilled and innovative technical lead who is interested in applying their photonics engineering skills to improve the lives of people with eye disease.
Role overview:
- In-person position (hybrid options available).
- Full-time preferred, part-time applications considered.
- Core role as part of an interdisciplinary technical team
- Must have the right to work in the UK.
- Starting as soon as possible
What we do
Four hundred and twenty million people suffer from chronic eye disease; it is the leading cause of sight loss in the developed world. To prevent people going blind, clinicians take sub-surface images of the back of the eye so that the condition can be diagnosed and managed appropriately. This uses a device called an optical coherence tomography machine, or ‘OCT’, which currently require bulky, desk-sized workstations. Siloton is developing the first truly portable OCT to provide better access to diagnostic and monitoring services for everyone who needs it. Based on Siloton’s world-leading photonic chip technology, this will reduce the burden of treatment while removing bottlenecks in the clinical pipeline, alleviating pressure on healthcare systems and ensuring patients receive the best possible care, wherever and whoever they are.
What we are looking for
Your role will be to work on the development of core integrated photonic capabilities as part of the dedicated and passionate engineering team of photonic, hardware, and software specialists working to create the next generation of retinal scanning device. The chip projects as part of this role will feed into a larger set of development goals leading towards direct imaging of patients and development of a device for clinical trials.
This is a wide-ranging technical role, covering many aspects of integrated photonics, with a diverse and interesting set of problems to solve. Your primary responsibilities will be to work with the CTO to complete the design, development, and implementation of photonic chips fundamental to prototype development and patient imaging. This includes but is not limited to:
- Simulating and designing photonic integrated circuit (PICs) components using FDTD packages such as Lumerical or similar suites
- Completing layout of PICs at both multi-project wafer and full-wafer scale using GDS Factory, Nazca, or similar software
- Testing, characterising, and demonstrating the functionality of existing and new photonic chip devices, including imaging via in-vivo and patient trials
- Constructing and demonstrating prototype imaging devices incorporating photonic chips
- Assembly, testing, and installation of commercial (pre-regulated) devices to customers
- Establishing alignment/characterisation/assembly/manufacturing procedures as we move towards product launch
- IP generation and protection, including patent writing
- Liaising with collaborators, suppliers, and customers where required
Supplementary to this, there are additional opportunities to get involved with other work at Siloton based on personal interest, including but not limited to:
1. A chance to engage and do technical development with our academic and clinical partners and advisors
2. Providing technical input to business and customer development
3. Direct experience with investor and fundraising activities
4. Developing technology under a medical device quality management system (ISO-13485)
5. Working with a broader team to develop technology for assessment in a formal clinical trial
The position includes the opportunity to gain experience in, and exposure to, many areas of integrated photonic design and implementation from core design and development through to direct user engagement (patient imaging). The role will have a primary focus on photonic chip engineering and demonstrations with the Siloton system, including integration and work with the wider electronic, photonic, and software systems. As the company progresses, the early entry of the person into the company will allow for growth of the role and the opportunity to take on more responsibility.
There will be opportunities for mentorship and training through both internal and external personnel.
Experience
The below requirements are to be used as guidelines to the role. We want to hear from anyone with an interest in applying for the role, even if you only meet some of the essential criteria.
Essential
- Experience in development/experimentation/R&D using photonic integrated circuits
2. Experience with photonic component design software (e.g. Lumerical)
3. Experience in layout of photonic integrated circuits (e.g. Synopsis, IPKISS, Nazca)
4. Experience in using Python
5. Enjoy working as part of a team
Desirable
1. PhD in a relevant discipline
2. Optical lab experience
3. Medical device, OCT, industry, or startup experience
4. Strong written and oral communication skills
Working at Siloton
Siloton is developing a device for all to use and so we welcome and encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Flexible working options are available for this role.
We value everyone’s contributions equally, striving to ensure that our employees always have the opportunity to gain new skills and provide input into the direction of the company. Siloton is highly invested in supporting and developing employees as they form an integral part of the company and its success.
Siloton offers a dynamic working environment that bridges between cutting edge science and working with patients to understand their needs and challenges. The team is committed, driven by impact, and highly supportive.
How to apply
Please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected].
Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis so are encouraged to apply early.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Any questions regarding the role can be sent to [email protected].
Selection Process
We do not use AI tools to assess or screen candidates that apply for our roles.
All assessments and interviews are carried out by people working for Siloton.
Our process is:
1. CV and cover letter review.
2. 1-hour video call with two team members
.3. 2-hour technical interview with two team members.
4. Visit to our offices in Bristol with a 1-hour final interview (travel expenses reimbursed).
5. References contacted.6. Job offer made.
Start date
As soon as possible.
Contract Type
Permanent, full time.
A part-time position is also possible but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to meet workload requirements.
In-person position (hybrid options available but this role will include a significant amount of lab-based work).
Salary and compensation
£45,000-£65,000 per annum depending on experience
Company share options package
Enhanced annual leave (25 days + bank holidays, with an extra day for each year of service up to 3 years)
Flexible working from home options (where possible)
Cycle to work scheme
In-year employee reward scheme
Paid sick leave
Enhanced paternity/maternity leave
Apply today and play an integral role in bringing a new sight-saving medical device to market
Pay: £45,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bristol BS1 5DD
